I finally got to evaluate my new D-800 in real life with someting other than the 300mmf4 and 1.4 tc combo, which tends to strugle. I have recently callibrated the camera with all my lenses and verified that all my focus points. are sharp. July 4th was the day to see how my camera preformed without the TC.
1) bird in flight



2) I am not sure if the quality of this picture will come through on line. Though the picture may not be the best composition, I find the detail on the orginal exceptional. The water droplets in his wings, the multi colors in his eyes and the texture of his bill. wow.



3) 300mm


4) 50 mm,


5)

really like the dolphin pics....great work

What a beautiful collection! The detail on the birds is terrific! And the dolphin shots make me feel like I could actually be swimming with them...just amazing. I love #4. Congrats! Cheers, pear. (p.s. I was very interested in your comments about calibrating your lenses. Would you be willing to share how you went about it? I have a 200-400mm in need of assistance... Thanks!)

Flippin' awesome!

I say both the camera and the photographer did a great job.

Awesome!

I guess you'll be happy with this gear-combo.

Those are wonderful, especially the dolphin pics. Makes me want to go fishing.

Originally Posted by racefan really like the dolphin pics....great work

Thanks racefan, They were a blast to photograph, I plan to do it again soon.

Wonderful pics!!!!

Originally Posted by peargrin What a beautiful collection! The detail on the birds is terrific! And the dolphin shots make me feel like I could actually be swimming with them...just amazing. I love #4. Congrats! Cheers, pear. (p.s. I was very interested in your comments about calibrating your lenses. Would you be willing to share how you went about it? I have a 200-400mm in need of assistance... Thanks!)

Thanks Pear. The Web and youtube, are full of info on calibrating the newer cameras. The photo stores also sell tools and charts to make it easier. just google " focus test chart. "

The 4th image is a real wall hanger and the rest are pretty darn good too. Looks like you are as happy with your D800 as I am with my D800E.

Like em' all, especially the dolphin shots.

You mentioned that you recently calibrated your camera with all your lenses. Could you say a few words about what that means and how it is done?

Phil

Terrific set.

The dolphin frames are spectacular.

Originally Posted by EphTwoEight Flippin' awesome!

Thanks , glad you liked them.

Originally Posted by JohnDC I say both the camera and the photographer did a great job.

Thanks John, I am sure the camera will keep me happy for the next few years.

Originally Posted by lifeinfocus Like em' all, especially the dolphin shots. You mentioned that you recently calibrated your camera with all your lenses. Could you say a few words about what that means and how it is done? Phil

Thank you Phil. I will try to answer your question.

The new cameras have the ability to make an adjustment to correct for front focus or back focus. This adjustment can be made on Nikon cameras under "AF fine tune" located in the setup menu. Each lens need to be adjusted individually.
The method I used to determine if my lens was dialed in, or in need of adjustment. was to print a focus chart that I found online, and calibrate with that. The idea is to place your camera on tripod at a 45 degree angle to the test chart and use the center focus point to aim at the focus target. Shoot wide open, so the focus falls off over a small area.

My picture her is just an example ,


Ideally your picture will reveal a very sharp target area with equal falloff to blur before and after the focus area. if not adjust the fine tune and reshoot.

Check out this link It demonstrates a type of focus chart and how to use it. It should help.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3JPTn...e_gdata_player

hope this helps